Inside Assam’s socio-spiritual history: The growth of tantra and Krishna Bhakti

Understanding the socio-spiritual landscape of any region begins with its socio-political history. Ancient Kamarupa, or present-day Assam, offers valuable insight into how different belief systems shaped society over many centuries.

Across India, ruling families were often identified as Kshatriyas, and Brahmin scholars linked their ancestry to Hindu deities. This connection helped rulers gain social recognition. In Assam, the Varman dynasty followed Shaivism and worshipped Lord Shiva. During this early period, the influence of Krishna or Rama was limited, even though the Ramayana had been written long before. Because of this, it was challenging for Srimanta Sankardeva to introduce Krishna-focused Vaishnavism to a society already deeply connected to Shaivite traditions.

Vaishnavism and Krishna Bhakti

However, it is not accurate to say that Vishnu or Krishna did not influence Assam. Historical records from the 12th century show the presence of Vishnu worship. Land grants, inscriptions and early religious references suggest that Vaishnava ideas had slowly entered the region. These developments also reflect cultural exchanges between Assam and neighbouring areas, including South and Southeast Asia.

Assam’s tribal communities were never completely separated from wider cultural movements. As kingdoms expanded, people shared customs and practices. Over time, Aryan and indigenous cultures blended to create a diverse and composite identity. By the early medieval period, names like Lakshmi, Narayana, Vishnu, Krishna and Rukmini were already known in Assamese society. This suggests that Vaishnavite ideas existed long before major Hindu texts became entrenched in the region.

Religious coexistence was common in ancient Kamarupa. Historical sources show that Shiva, Vishnu and the Goddess were all worshipped by different communities. Instead of forming rigid boundaries, spiritual traditions often overlapped and influenced one another.

Tantrism in Assam

Tantrism also played a major role in Assam’s religious history. This tradition combined elements from tribal, Tibetan, Dravidian and Aryan belief systems. It emerged around the 6th century and focused on esoteric practices, rituals and the worship of deities such as Shakti, Shiva and Kali. Sacred sites like Kamakhya became important centres for Tantric rituals. Some of these rituals included offerings, and others involved practices linked to early medicine and astrology.

One of the strengths of Tantrism was its ability to bridge local beliefs with mainstream Hindu practices. It welcomed people from various backgrounds, including women, lower social groups and indigenous communities. At the same time, it continued to recognise existing social hierarchies, which made it acceptable to both ruling elites and common people. In contrast, the later Neo-Vaishnavism of Sankardeva encouraged equality, community participation and the rejection of elaborate rituals. Tantrism leaned more towards conservatism, though it also introduced ideas similar to monotheism by emphasising a single divine figure.

Neo-Vaishnavism eventually created a major cultural shift in Assam. Centred on Krishna, the movement promoted devotion, inclusion and social reform. Many Assamese scholars describe Assamese culture today as strongly influenced by Krishna-centric philosophy. Krishna’s inclusive nature—symbolising existence, consciousness and bliss—made Him accessible to many groups. This philosophy also allowed people to worship other deities, fitting well within the broader Hindu belief that multiple forms of worship connect to the same divine reality.

Influence of Bhakti movement

The Bhakti movement, including Neo-Vaishnavism, acted as a wave of social transformation. It questioned rigid caste structures and helped empower communities that had been marginalised. As expected, this faced resistance from some ruling groups and privileged Brahmins, who wanted to maintain established hierarchies. For many rulers, claiming a divine connection through religion helped strengthen their authority. Over time, this blend of political power and religious influence reinforced traditional social systems.

Assam’s spiritual history is therefore not defined by a single tradition. It is a story of continuous interaction among tribes, settlers, priests and rulers. Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Tantrism all shaped the region over time. From indigenous worship practices to Tantra, and from early Vishnu traditions to the rise of Neo-Vaishnavism, Assam developed a rich, diverse and layered spiritual identity that continues to influence its society today.